A Singapore Red Cross volunteer organising the donation tins to be used on its Flag Day held on 26 January 2013.

SINGAPORE - The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has launched an urgent public appeal aimed at raising $3 million dollars for relief and early recovery efforts in Vanuatu after Cyclone Pam hit the nation last week on Mar 13.

The appeal comes after an initial contribution of US$25,000 (S$35,000) from the SRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund.

The SRC also plans to send a response team to Vanuatu to assess the ground needs and provide emergency medical assistance where needed.

The organisation encourages the public to make their donations via online transactions or cross cheques made payable to "Singapore Red Cross Society" and marked "Cyclone Pam 2015" on the back.

Secretary General of SRC Mr Benjamin William said: "The Singapore Red Cross will channel the funds collected towards acute emergency relief and recovery assistance for the affected communities and the displaced people."

Operating hours at the SRC will also be extended to receive walk-in donations.

For enquiries, call the SRC hotline at 6664 0501 from 9.30am to 7.45pm on weekdays and 9.30am to 4pm on weekends or email them at enquiry@redcross.sg.

Donations are accepted through cheques, DBS internet banking as well as DBS or POSB ATM transfers.